Chapter 355 - 306: I’m Looking for a Courtesan?

Chapter 355: Chapter 306: I’m Looking for a Courtesan?

The three elegant yet subtle ancient characters on the sign above leaped into view, and the enticing aura, intertwined with the decadent music unique to such establishments of pleasure, set one’s imagination racing.

He frowned slightly. Despite his many years in the Cultivation Realm, he had never set foot in such a place.

Jiang Xu glanced around.

The entrance to Xianya Garden was bustling with a constant stream of people from all walks of life.

There were rugged men who looked like martial heroes and alluring, beautiful women. They stopped at the entrance to chat and laugh, all seemingly accustomed to the place.

Meanwhile, the intricate decorations, the ambiguously dim candlelight, and the faint fragrance in the air all hinted at the establishment’s opulence and debauchery.

Anyone could tell at a glance that the Xianya Garden before him was no place for quiet cultivation, but a pleasure house that catered specifically to Cultivators.

Despite his inner conflict, he had to steel himself and press forward to find Xiong Liangsheng’s relative.

Jiang Xu clenched his jaw, straightened his clothes, and tried his best to appear composed.

He took a deep breath, gathered his courage, and strode toward the main entrance of Xianya Garden.

The guards flanking the entrance saw Jiang Xu approach and gave him a once-over, but didn’t stop him.

They figured a young Cultivator like Jiang Xu was most likely a new customer, here for the first time out of curiosity, so it wasn’t strange for him to look a bit nervous.

Jiang Xu entered Xianya Garden, a little tense. He tried to blend into the complex surroundings while cautiously sensing for the Foundation Establishment Cultivator’s aura, hoping to find his trail in the crowd.

Inside, the light was dimmer and the atmosphere thicker. A wave of laughter, string music, and the scent of rouge and powder washed over him.

In this space filled with song, dance, and the pervasive scent of cosmetics, Jiang Xu fought to keep a clear head.

Dodging the enthusiastically forward beauties, he followed the guidance of his Seeking Technique, quietly slipping through layers of private rooms and corridors, closing in on the Foundation Establishment Cultivator’s location.

...

Deep within Xianya Garden, in a quiet courtyard set apart from the hustle and bustle, moonlight spilled like water, dappling the stone paths and corners with light and shadow.

The courtyard was exquisitely arranged with rockeries, flowing water, green bamboo, and secluded orchids, creating a tranquil beauty far removed from the worldly noise outside.

At this moment, Xiong Anling stood proudly in the center of the courtyard, his figure strikingly clear under the bright moonlight.

His snow-white robes swayed gently in the breeze and his elegant hair flew in the night. His handsome, resolute face held eyes as sharp as an eagle’s, revealing a composure and decisiveness that belied his age.

He stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his own back turned to Lou Yanguang, who was seated on a Cyan Glazed Wood Chair in a corner of the courtyard. His voice was resonant and powerful.

"Lou Yanguang, you are facing imminent disaster. Did you know?"

His tone was stern yet majestic, each word carrying an invisible pressure that struck fear into one’s heart.

And behind Xiong Anling, a middle-aged man with an extraordinary air sat steadily on a Cyan Glazed Wood Chair.

The chair was exquisitely crafted from rare Cyan Glazed Wood. Its entire body was crystal clear, emitting a faint glow and giving off a feeling of understated luxury.

This man, who appeared to be in his forties, was none other than Lou Yanguang.

His facial features were well-defined. Time had left faint lines at the corners of his eyes, which only added to his mature charm. He was dressed plainly, his demeanor calm and composed, neither arrogant nor impatient.

Faced with Xiong Anling’s stern warning, Lou Yanguang leaned back leisurely in the intricately carved Cyan Glazed Wood Chair with its magnificent grain. He lightly tapped the rim of his teacup as fragrant steam curled upwards, mirroring his composed attitude.

Lou Yanguang gently lifted the Cyan Porcelain Tea Cup in his hand and took a sip of the steaming, fragrant tea, his movements as unhurried and unperturbed as a stroll in a garden.

His eyes were as calm as a lake, and a faint smile played on his lips.

"I know that life and death are matters of fate, and wealth is decided by heaven. Everything is preordained."

"I appreciate your reminder, and I will take it to heart. However, I have my own way of doing things."

Hearing this, Xiong Anling’s expression changed slightly. He turned his head, his sharp eyes like a wolf’s in the dead of night, glinting with a cold, faintly sarcastic light.

"Lou Yanguang, I must admit, I’m surprised you can remain so calm and composed at a time like this."

"I fear you have yet to realize just who you’ve provoked."

Lou Yanguang understood Xiong Anling’s implication.

’When did I provoke someone I shouldn’t have?’

Xiong Anling knew of his power and background; he wouldn’t be speaking like this unless the other party was someone of immense power and influence.

A chill went down Lou Yanguang’s spine. He set down his now-lukewarm teacup, a grave expression clouding his brow.

The past flashed through his mind like a revolving lantern as he silently reviewed every recent and past detail that could have possibly led to disaster.

Ever since he had successfully carved out a domain for himself on Xiao Jin Island, Lou Yanguang had become more cautious in his approach to life, doing his best to avoid pointless disputes and grudges.

Lou Yanguang thought it over and over. He told himself that he hadn’t done anything major recently that would warrant such severe consequences.

’Could it be that something from the past has been exposed?’

’No, that’s impossible.’

’I personally oversaw everything back then, and it was all handled flawlessly. Besides my most trusted confidants, everyone else involved is in the Underworld.’

Seeing Lou Yanguang’s deeply suspicious expression, Xiong Anling sighed heavily.

"Brother Lou, just watch what happens tonight."

...

Jiang Xu had run into a problem. A big problem.

A very big one.

"You’re in such a hurry, Sir. Are you rushing to find your sweetheart?"

Jiang Xu was standing under the eaves of a corridor in Xianya Garden, his path blocked by a young woman in a flimsy silk dress that left her ample bosom half-exposed.

Her eyes danced and her smile was like a blooming flower as she questioned him in a tone that was both coquettish and slightly teasing.

This woman was a Yao Er of Xianya Garden. She wore a light gauze dress with delicate embroidery along the hem and a low-cut neckline that revealed her full, enticing chest. Her skin was as smooth and fine as jade.

Yao Er was one of the ranks for the women in Xianya Garden, a position in the lower-middle tier.

Although they possessed a certain degree of beauty and talent, they still couldn’t compete with the ’Chang San’ and top courtesans above them for clients.

To make a living, they had no choice but to take the initiative and solicit business themselves in their spare time.

Case in point.

When this woman saw that Jiang Xu was alone and had the shy, nervous look of a first-timer, she knew he was definitely a greenhorn.

Moreover, judging by his clothes and bearing, he was clearly no ordinary person—definitely a high-quality client.

Her eyes lit up instantly. Before any of her ’sisters’ could notice, she took the lead and went up to block Jiang Xu’s path.

Jiang Xu couldn’t have been more awkward.

Since entering Xianya Garden, he had constantly been surrounded by people, making it impossible to use his Concealing Breath Spell to achieve Stealth.

He had thought he was being low-key enough, trying to minimize his presence to avoid attracting attention so he could find his target first.

But he never expected a woman’s gaze to be so sharp; she had spotted him instantly.

Her forward advances and the "accidental" physical contact left Jiang Xu at a loss.

Jiang Xu had actually tried to ignore the woman and walk right past her.

But as he passed, she had actually swayed deliberately, trying to fall into his arms.

Startled, Jiang Xu could no longer ignore her and had no choice but to bite the bullet and say:

"Fairy, please don’t tease me. I’m just looking for someone."

"Looking for someone?" The woman clearly didn’t believe a word he said.

’He’s obviously a first-timer. How could he possibly be here to look for someone?’

She gave a cunning smile, her eyes darting playfully as she said:

"Oh, Sir, you say you’re looking for someone? This is Xianya Garden! If you’re looking for someone here, I bet you mean one of us sisters, right?"

"Don’t worry, I’ve been here a long time and know my way around. Just tell me which sister you’re looking for, and I’ll introduce you."

Jiang Xu didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

He didn’t even know who he was looking for.

He didn’t even know if they were male or female.

Huh?

’Maybe it really is one of the courtesans here in Xianya Garden.’

Jiang Xu carefully sensed for the person’s location.

The person was deep inside Xianya Garden.

Common sense dictated that people in the deeper parts of a place like this held high status.

’Could it be... that the person I’m looking for is actually a Courtesan?!’